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10 Water & Amusement Parks in Michigan That You Shouldn't Miss
Think you need an ocean for a beach? Think again. There are miles and miles of sandy lakefront beaches in Michigan (thanks to the four Great Lakes that border it). The west coast of Michigan has especially nice beaches—try a rental in Muskegon, Grand Haven or Saugatuck. You won’t need a car when visiting Mackinac Island. In fact, they’re not allowed—this lovely Victorian resort town is pedestrian-only.
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1. Richard Petty Driving Experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Get behind the wheel in one of our 8 – 80 lap driving programs or Ride-Along shotgun for 3 high-speed laps at over 20 tracks nationwide – including Michigan International Speedway!
2. Silver Beach Carousel
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 574 reviews
MAKE A MEMORY ALL YEAR ROUND! The horses, the tigers, the hippocampus, the panda, the clown fish - in all, 48 unique carousel figures and two chariots - are whirling with excitement to see you. Come pick your favorite and ride beneath 1000 twinkling lights as the band organ's music happily soars and dips with the gears. Each figure is beautifully hand-carved and hand-painted by the artisans at The Carousel Works. Around the top of the carousel you can learn about our local history - told as no one else in the world has told it on a carousel - using historic photographs. As you gaze at those 18 rounding boards, you'll become part of our story, too.You'll find all the magic and wonder of the Silver Beach Carousel below the bluff in St. Joseph, just yards from Lake Michigan's Silver Beach, named one of the top 10 family beaches by Parents magazine. Open all four seasons, you can ride a different carousel figure or chariot every week and fill the year with a new memory each time. Our sea serpent chariot is wheelchair accessible so everyone can ride! Tokens are available for cash or credit card at the admissions desk or for cash from our token machine. To find us, click here for a map and directions.THERE'S SO MUCH MORE TO DO!Riding the carousel is just one of the fun things you can do at Silver Beach. Steps away from the carousel is Michigan's tallest kaleidoscope and Curious Kids' Discovery Zone by Curious Kids Museum, an entertaining place for toddlers to teens to explore water exhibits, a climbing wall and traveling exhibits. Next door to us is the beautiful Silver Beach Shadowland Ballroom, where special celebrations and wedding dreams come true. Across the road is the Whirlpool Compass Fountain where you can splash in the mist on warm days. And throughout the year, plan to join us for lots of fun events.Our Silver Beach Center packages let you create hours of fun at special prices. The Activities Room is an easy place to celebrate your child's next birthday or a special event. Just let us know what day you'd like to book by clicking here. You'll also find carousel gift ideas in our onsite and online gift shops. Or check out other gift ideas and sponsorship opportunities here.So come for the best ride in town - it's unforgettably happy! Visit our website for hours and more information about pricing and events.
Reviewed By JeffreyD127 - South Haven, United States
A recreation of a historic carousel that is well done and a joy to ride. Very distinctive and elegantly carved animals make this ride enjoyable. The animals ride up and down and children love it. When we were there, children could chose from an assortment of hats and figures to wear while riding, my grand children thought the hats were great. The music machine was made near my home town, North Tonawanda, and is a classic. Around the carousel are classica carnival machines. Also, the day we were there, a large leg display was set up. The carousel is next to the Curious Kids museum, another fun place for kids.
3. Water Warrior Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Water Warrior Island wants to bring a brand-new recreation experience to your park! Our objective is to provide family and friends a whole new recreational experience to have fun in the sun. The floating inflatable playground features 20 ft. water slides, rock climbing walls, trampolines, floating walk ways and a ninja warrior like obstacle course.
Reviewed By 764jeffm
The Ninja warrior course was a Blast. This is a must see park in the U.P. Its a great family fun time!
4. Dinosaur Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By inconstantgardener - Alpena, United States
We only did the path walk. I first came here decades ago as a child and was so pleased to see how well-maintained the dinosaur sculptures are. One is presently in the process of being repaired, but all the others were in good condition. The big ostrich ferns, old timber, and winding river make for a pleasant, shady walk as well as a lovely backdrop for the dinosaurs. Farm enthusiasts will also discover a couple of old tractors displayed on site, which were apparently used by the gentleman who built the park. Note: I visited with a senior family member, but the drop-down list only allowed selections of family members who are teens or young children. The path is perfectly manageable for able-bodied seniors.
5. Holland Community Aquatic Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By dank1954 - Holland, United States
Really a gem in Holland. Recently approved millage to make it even bigger/better. Very nice small to medium size kids area (check schedules of times) with a nice slide and play area. Excellent facility for swimmers.
6. Rolling Hills Water Park
7. WhoaZone
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
WhoaZone is an on-water obstacle course featuring giant slides, towers, trampolines, ramps, wiggle bridges and other play features, offering guests the chance to bounce, slide, climb, jump, and splash.
Reviewed By Flipper029
We took six children to Holly State Park for the WhoaZone. The children were ages seven to fourteen. If you buy tickets online it is slightly cheaper than buying them at the park. With six children, online was a wise decision. I wondered if we would need reservations, but on this gorgeous Wednesday in July, the WhoaZone did not look to be at capacity. I had never been to Heron beach in Holly State Park before, and I was glad to see how clean the lake was. There were many fish in the lake that the children enjoyed trying to catch. The beach was nice and sandy, the water was clear. The bathrooms were in need of some cleaning after a day of beach goers in them. They probably should be inspected every hour because by the end of the day, you did not want to use them. The children enjoyed the WhoaZone so much that four of them wanted to go again. It is a bit cheaper to go a second time so we let them go. Two of the children thought that it was too difficult for them. They were ages nine and seven. Other children we had that were eight and seven went for another turn. I guess it just depends on the child and what they like to do. There were several life guards posted on the WhoaZone structure. All of our children were good swimmers so we did not have a worry in that regard. This was a fantastic day with the children and we hope to do it again.
8. Water Warrior Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Are you ready to Conquer the Island? Water Warrior Island is bringing a brand-new recreation experience to Oakland County at Bald Mountain State Park. Our objective is to provide family and friends a whole new experience to have fun in the sun. The floating inflatable playground features 20 ft water slides, rock climbing walls, trampolines, and much more.
Reviewed By zammama - Detroit, United States
Great fun! My kids had a wonderful time! We will be back!! The water was warm, the beach was clean, add in some sunscreen and sunshine.... it was a perfect day!
9. Michigan's Adventure
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 965 reviews
Classic amusement park combined with a water park and Boogie Beach wave pool.
10. Nelis' Dutch Village
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 979 reviews
2021 begins with a continuation of our safety protocols from last season. Please bring a mask with you and review our Opening Plan on our website before visiting. We are very focused on the well-being of our co-workers and our guests. A visit to Nelis' Dutch Village is like a step back into the Netherlands of over 100 years ago on a day when a festival came to town. Watch old Dutch craft demonstrations and Dutch klompen dancers. Taste 22 kinds of Dutch cheeses, beautiful Dutch architecture and listen to the Golden Angel street organ. Includes unlimited rides on the Ferris wheel, carousel and Dutch chair swing ride. Unique shopping, Dutch cafe and pub, and fudge and ice cream.
Reviewed By Susannajoy - Fennville, United States
Sweet place for locals and visitors, Dutch Village is family fun at its best! Even a melancholy teen will enjoy the water balloon battle staged on Dutch ‘ships’ and who doesn’t love a barnyard full of adorable critters?! Sneak in a history and geography lesson in the informative exhibits on life in the Netherlands ???????? and then let the kids repeat-ride the authentic carousel ???? Stroll the impressive garden lanes on the way to the Ferris wheel ???? or grab a Hudsonville ice cream cone and sit canalside. The entry fee is very reasonable, with the best deal a season pass if you’re totally smitten! The mini-village is based on those in the Netherlands and it’s a pleasant time and space travel, especially when you talk with Lydia at the Hungry Dutchman. If you’re nice, she’ll teach you a few Dutch phrases and pour an excellent local beer to accompany authentic cheeses from the Netherlands. My kids love their pea soup and pig-in-the-blankets when it’s chilly out. Lovely artisan Delft is handpainted and make wonderful Christmas gifts. Our family adores Dutch Village and I think you will too!
